Regions

Some 51 percent of patients who communicate with their doctor via email or text instead of just by phone said they don't feel as rushed to ask questions, according to a recent Surescripts survey of 1,000 adults. The survey was conducted by Kelton Global.

While 46 percent said they feel more comfortable asking their doctor questions via email or text instead of just by phone, 43 percent said that if they could text and email, they would contact their doctors more often

“Dangerous voids in health information sharing can easily be solved through the use of digital communications and technology,” Tom Skelton, Surescripts CEO said in a statement. “As an industry, we need to come together to connect the nation’s healthcare system – to enhance the patient experience while improving quality and lowering the cost of care.”

According to the survey, 70 percent of respondents found that doctors who use computers or tablets instead of paper during a visit are organized. Seventy percent found these doctors efficient, 40 percent found them innovative, and 33 percent found them competent.

Sixty eight percent of patients said they feel relief when their provider makes administration tasks, like appointment scheduling, digital. Additionally, 65 percent of patients said they feel a sense of confidence and 55 percent feel comfort.

When patients evaluate two comparable doctors, 51 percent would choose a doctor that let them fill out paperwork online before a visit, 48 percent would choose a doctor who provides online test results, 46 percent would choose a doctor who stores medical records digitally, and 44 percent would choose a doctor that allows them to schedule appointments online.